So I have a used 30-30 on the way and need some loads to start with. Dont' even know what type powder these things typically like. Anyone with info or advise on what to start with I would appreciate it.

I've just been looking in my manuals about that load. Some show it over max(Sierra's max=28.5gr)while others show it under(Hornady's max=33.8gr). A good bullet at a moderate velocity is ALL you need. Maybe a 170gr? I'm going to do some searching on it.

The 30-30 seems to like relatively fast powders: 3031,748,H335,H322 I have shot a lot of different bullets in the 30-30 from cast to 190 gr jacketed. I always liked the speer 150 gr flat-nose. I will also tell you that I had some luck with the 110 and 125 gr pointed pullets for varmints and deer respectively, just remember to put one in the chamber and only one in the magazine (Hence a 2 shot limit) and keep your OAL in spec. Also don't try and hot up your loads as the 30-30 case is thinner than say a 30-06 or most high intensity cases. I use light loads of unique for cast bullets. Good cheap shooting.

Why not the lever evolution bullets? They are sweet in my 45-70. THey changed my POI by 8 inches at 100 yards vs flat point.

Ditto with my 30-30, though with the factory loads. Hornady is now offering the LeverEvolution powder along with the bullets, though I haven't been able to procure any of the powder yet. The difference in performance is astounding, and the performance on whitetails has been phenomenal. Can't wait to get some of this powder and reload these, it truly does transform the old 30-30.

In my Marlin 336, pre-safety, microgroove, 2.5x Bushnell Banner, I use Win. 748, Win cases, Win primer. I'm running at the top end of things as it is a hunting load. I have worked the load up w/ 170 Nos. Part. & Speer 'Hot Core'. I would say the Speer has a bit of an edge in accuracy. Accuracy is quite fine w/ either pill. In the close cover I hunt in, this load is more than adequate to the occasion.

Some years ago I worked up a load w/ some 144 grn. M80 types usind IMR3031. Max loads seemed a little intense. But I was looking for a practice load anyway. My notes are upstairs, but IIRCC, 28 or 29 grns. shot very very good. Of course these rounds were single loaded.

As I have a stock of Rem. 150 CoreLokt & BLc powder, I use that for a practice and have that going close to POA w/ the 170 load.

My Marlin shoots pretty good, due in great part to a trigger job done by an old time gunsmith some years ago.

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